I have been to more than one wedding that happened to be the bride or groom's second time around. When you get to my age, a lot of your friends are getting ready for the next phase in their life. For my single friends, this has often meant getting married. When it comes to weddings where the couple is already established in their life together, the typical gift ideas don't work.
Of course, shopping for close friends isn't a problem because you know what to get them. Every single one of my close girl friends who has gotten married was easy for me to find a gift for. Most of the time, the gift kind of just presented itself to me rather than me seeking it out. The hard part is buying gifts for those friends and acquaintances with whom you are not close enough to give a personal gift and yet they already have all the housewares and bed linens they need.
The solution to your shopping quandary is as simple as thinking outside the box. When you think of wedding gifts, you probably imagine lots of white, lacy gift boxes full of small kitchen appliances and household linens. For that couple who already has everything, think beyond the parameter of a typical gift box.
I gave a tree sapling to my friend and her husband on their wedding day. Different, yes, but they loved it! Both avid gardeners, they've planted it in their yard and it grows along with their relationship. Head to a gardening store or look online to get guidance on choosing a plant. If you aren't a green thumb yourself, make sure you do in fact get some help picking a tree so you don't get them something unreasonable by accident.
Lots of engaged couples are well aware that they wouldn't benefit from traditional wedding gifts and instead ask for charitable donations to be made in their name. This is a great and simple way to let friends express their recognition and support of your union. Some couples specify a charity or two of choice to guide guests.
Even if the couple in question didn't ask for charitable donations in lieu of presents, a donation is a wonderful and meaningful gift. There are so many options to choose from, too. Find something that you know will mean something in particular for the couple. Browse online for charities that would best suit the occasion.
Similar to a donation made in their name, sponsoring a child or family is another heartfelt gift. One charity organization lets you send livestock overseas to help poor families eat better and have a source of income. Other groups sponsor young girls in countries like Afghanistan and Iran to help them get an education.
So many wedding gift ideas these days are the tried and true classics that few people actually have a use for. To give your best wishes to the couples in your life facing happily ever after, don't be afraid to think outside of the box.
Of course, shopping for close friends isn't a problem because you know what to get them. Every single one of my close girl friends who has gotten married was easy for me to find a gift for. Most of the time, the gift kind of just presented itself to me rather than me seeking it out. The hard part is buying gifts for those friends and acquaintances with whom you are not close enough to give a personal gift and yet they already have all the housewares and bed linens they need.
The solution to your shopping quandary is as simple as thinking outside the box. When you think of wedding gifts, you probably imagine lots of white, lacy gift boxes full of small kitchen appliances and household linens. For that couple who already has everything, think beyond the parameter of a typical gift box.
I gave a tree sapling to my friend and her husband on their wedding day. Different, yes, but they loved it! Both avid gardeners, they've planted it in their yard and it grows along with their relationship. Head to a gardening store or look online to get guidance on choosing a plant. If you aren't a green thumb yourself, make sure you do in fact get some help picking a tree so you don't get them something unreasonable by accident.
Lots of engaged couples are well aware that they wouldn't benefit from traditional wedding gifts and instead ask for charitable donations to be made in their name. This is a great and simple way to let friends express their recognition and support of your union. Some couples specify a charity or two of choice to guide guests.
Even if the couple in question didn't ask for charitable donations in lieu of presents, a donation is a wonderful and meaningful gift. There are so many options to choose from, too. Find something that you know will mean something in particular for the couple. Browse online for charities that would best suit the occasion.
Similar to a donation made in their name, sponsoring a child or family is another heartfelt gift. One charity organization lets you send livestock overseas to help poor families eat better and have a source of income. Other groups sponsor young girls in countries like Afghanistan and Iran to help them get an education.
So many wedding gift ideas these days are the tried and true classics that few people actually have a use for. To give your best wishes to the couples in your life facing happily ever after, don't be afraid to think outside of the box.
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